Commonly Used Medications, Herbals, and Dietary Supplements

Common adverse effects: dizziness, sleepiness, changes in heart rate or breathing, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, weight changes, extrapyramidal symptoms, changes in blood pressure, and restlessness.

Respiratory medications include inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled beta-agonists, medications for asthma, and medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Common adverse effects: tremor, fast heart rate, sore throat, and oral fungal infection or throat irritation.

Gastrointestinal medications include acid-reducing medications such as proton pump inhibitors and immune modulating drugs such as infliximab.Common adverse effects: headache, dizziness, rash, and infusion-related reactions.

Endocrine agents include diabetes and thyroid medications and corticosteroids (prednisone, etc.). Common adverse effects: low blood sugar, weight or appetite changes, nausea/vomiting, and stomach upset.

Hormonal agents include estrogens, progestins, and testosterone.Common adverse effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, fluid retention, and changes in mood or appetite.

Cardiac medications that affect blood pressure include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics.Common adverse effects: dizziness, cough, low blood pressure, swelling of the feet or ankles, slow heart rate, drowsiness, and changes in potassium, sodium, or other electrolyte levels.

Cardiac medications that modify lipid levels include statins, ezetimibe, niacin, fenofibrate, and gemfibrozil.Common adverse effects: flatulence, nausea, muscle pain, and upset stomach.

Cardiac anti-clotting medications include aspirin, warfarin, heparin, low-molecular weight heparins, newer anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, etc.).Common adverse effect: bleeding.

Genitourinary agents include drugs for overactive bladder, erectile dysfunction, and prostate enlargement.Common adverse effects: changes in libido, upset stomach, headache, dry mouth, and flushing.

C. Drug allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to a drug. Drug allergies can cause minor skin reactions, such as rash or hives, or a more serious reaction such as swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis). As detailed in Chapter 6, drug allergy information should be verified and updated at each new prescription or refill.

D. A contraindication (also called therapeutic contraindication or warning) is a reason why a specific drug either cannot be used or should be used only with caution in a specific patient population or in patients with an existing condition. Contraindications are included in the prescribing information for every approved drug.

E. Pharmacy technicians should stay up to date on the most frequent uses, warnings, and adverse effects of commonly used medications.